Tools & Everyday Carry Comparisons · Reviewed October 1, 2026
Leatherman Wave+ vs Victorinox Spirit X: Multitool Guide
These full-size stainless multitools solve common repairs differently. Wave+ puts blades and replaceable cutters at the center, while Spirit X is lighter, lists 24 functions and includes a nylon pouch in the exact bundle.
Best for
Buyers choosing a full-size pliers-based multitool for lawful household, workshop, vehicle or outdoor carry.
Probably not for
Airline carry-on luggage, prohibited locations, a substitute for insulated electrical tools, or jobs that need the leverage and safety of dedicated full-size tools.
Specifications at a glance
| Specification | Leatherman Wave+ | Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X |
|---|---|---|
| Exact Amazon listing | B079MJBP21 | B08ZNPT2CH with nylon pouch |
| Published function count | 18 tools | 24 functions |
| Closed length | 4 in | 105 mm / 4.13 in |
| Published weight | 8.5 oz | 210 g / about 7.4 oz |
| Blade access | Outside-accessible plain and serrated blades | Lockable blade; not one-hand opening |
| Wire cutters | Replaceable wire and hard-wire cutter inserts | Integrated wire cutter and hard-wire cutter |
| Included carry item | Check exact listing; current maker page sells sheath separately | Nylon pouch in exact 3.0224.N bundle |
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Leatherman Wave+ stainless multitool
Wave+ is a four-inch closed multitool with 18 listed tools, outside-accessible plain and serrated 420HC knife blades, bit drivers and replaceable wire-cutter inserts. Leatherman publishes an 8.5-ounce weight and a 2.92-inch primary blade length.
Pros
- The two knife blades can be reached from the closed handles, and the primary tools lock in use.
- Replaceable wire and hard-wire cutter inserts can be serviced without replacing the entire plier head.
Cons
- At 8.5 ounces it is heavier than the published Spirit X figure.
- A sheath is not guaranteed by the current manufacturer configuration, so the exact Amazon box must be checked.
Who it’s for: Choose it when outside blade access, replaceable cutters and interchangeable driver bits match the expected repairs. Pass if lower weight, fixed drivers and an included pouch matter more.
Check Leatherman Wave+ stainless multitool on Amazon Paid linkVictorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X with nylon pouch
Victorinox article 3.0224.N is a 105-millimeter stainless multitool with 24 published functions, a lockable non-one-hand blade, pliers, scissors, saws, fixed screwdrivers and an included nylon pouch. Victorinox lists a weight of 210 grams and an 18-millimeter height.
Pros
- Its 210-gram published weight is about 1.1 ounces below Wave+.
- The exact package includes a nylon pouch and a broad set of fixed drivers and scraper functions.
Cons
- The knife blade is not designed for one-hand opening.
- Integrated cutter edges do not offer Wave+ style user-replaceable inserts.
Who it’s for: Choose it for the lighter body, 24-function layout, fixed tools and included pouch. Pass if rapid outside blade access or replaceable wire-cutter inserts are priorities.
Check Victorinox Swiss Tool Spirit X with nylon pouch on Amazon Paid linkFunction counts are not a measure of job capacity
Leatherman lists 18 tools, while Victorinox lists 24 functions. The totals use each maker’s own counting method. A combined tool can contribute more than one function, and a longer list does not make a screwdriver better matched to a fastener. Read the inventories: Wave+ emphasizes two outside knife blades, replaceable cutters and bit drivers; Spirit X includes fixed screwdrivers, a crate opener, chisel, scraper and separate saw functions.
Start with the jobs that recur. A bit driver can adapt to more screw types when the correct bits are carried, while a fixed driver is ready without a separate piece. A metal saw is not a file, and a small multitool pry surface is not a pry bar. For high torque, electrical work, hardened wire or repeated cutting, use a dedicated tool rated for the material and task.
Blade access separates the daily experience
Wave+ places its plain-edge and serrated 420HC blades on the outside of the closed handles. Leatherman describes outside-accessible features that can be operated with one hand. Spirit X includes a lockable blade, but Victorinox identifies this version as not one-hand opening. That difference matters to someone who uses a knife often, yet it may also affect whether a tool is lawful in a particular place.
A locking blade reduces accidental folding when used correctly, but it does not make unsafe cutting safe. Cut away from the body, keep the pivot and lock clean, and use the right blade for the material. Local definitions of one-hand opening, locking knives and blade length vary. Check the law and workplace or venue policy before carrying either tool, especially in schools, government buildings and public events.
Cutter and driver maintenance favor different owners
Wave+ uses replaceable wire and hard-wire cutter inserts. That design is useful when approved replacement parts are available and the cutters are a frequent tool. It is not permission to cut energized conductors, cable beyond the manual limits or materials that can chip an edge. The Wave+ is not an insulated electrical tool. Lock out power and use properly rated electrical equipment for electrical work.
Spirit X integrates its cutter functions into the plier system and supplies several fixed screwdrivers. Fewer loose bits can simplify carry, but a damaged fixed tip is not as easily swapped as a bit. Use the driver that fully seats in the fastener, apply force in line and move to a full-size driver when torque rises. A multitool is valuable for access and readiness, not because its short implements replace every workshop tool.
Size, weight and pouch change how often it is available
Leatherman publishes 8.5 ounces, a four-inch closed length, 1.2-inch width and 0.7-inch thickness. Victorinox publishes 210 grams, 105 by 35 by 18 millimeters, making it about 7.4 ounces with a slightly longer and wider metric footprint. Weight and dimensions do not predict hand comfort, but an ounce can be noticeable on a belt or in a bag that is carried every day.
The exact Spirit X listing includes a nylon pouch. The current Wave+ manufacturer page treats a sheath as a separate selection, so inspect Amazon’s included-items list rather than assuming one from product photos or an older bundle. A pouch protects other objects from metal edges and helps keep the tool available. Clean and dry the tool before storage, and follow the maker’s lubrication and sharpening directions.
Choose the tool system, then confirm the exact article
Choose Wave+ for outside-accessible blades, replaceable cutters and Leatherman bit compatibility. Choose Spirit X for lower published weight, the 24-function fixed-tool layout and the included nylon pouch. Neither should be ranked for strength, edge retention or comfort without controlled testing. Handle geometry, hand size and the exact job matter more than a brand-wide reputation.
Confirm B079MJBP21 for the stainless Wave+ and B08ZNPT2CH for Spirit X article 3.0224.N with nylon pouch on Amazon. Similar Spirit versions use different pouch materials or tool layouts, and Wave-family finishes and kits may have different ASINs. Knives and multitools belong in checked baggage, not airline carry-on luggage, subject to current rules. No durability test, price or stock claim is made here.
Official sources and further reading
Sources reviewed on October 1, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.
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